When I first started looking for a new car, I’ll be honest – Kia wasn’t the first brand that came to mind. But boy, was I in for a surprise! Kia, this South Korean car company, has been around for nearly 80 years, and they’ve really upped their game in recent years.
The company is known for creating affordable, reliable, and well-made cars. Kia has a wide variety of models available in the UK, with some of the most popular ones being the Rio, Sorento, Sportage, and Optima.
The Korean brand boasts a wide selection thanks to current model releases around the UK, and the cherry on top is that Kia leasing deals are plentiful.
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Why Kia Cars Are Winning Hearts in the UK
Let me tell you why Kia has become such a hit here in the UK. First off, they’re affordable. I mean, who doesn’t love a good deal, right? But it’s not just about being cheap – these cars are reliable and well-made too. It’s like getting a fancy meal at a pub price!
Kia has all sorts of cars available in the UK. Whether you’re after a tiny city runabout or a big family SUV, they’ve got you covered. Some of the crowd favorites are the Rio, Sorento, Sportage, and Optima. And the best part? There are tons of great leasing deals out there if you’re not ready to buy outright.
The Best Kia Models in the UK
Kia has been around for a long time, but they have grown quickly to become among the top players globally. They are now exporting cars to over 100 countries and have won many awards for their products.
This growth can be attributed to their diverse range of vehicles and affordable prices. Kia Motors produces cars for all budgets and lifestyles, from small city cars to large SUVs.
The most popular Kia models in the UK right now include the following:
The Kia Picanto
The Picanto was Kia’s debut car in the UK back in 1991, and it’s still going strong. It’s a small hatchback that’s perfect for zipping around the city.
I remember test driving one of these, and I was amazed at how nippy it was! It’s got a 1.2-liter engine that’s pretty good on fuel – I managed to squeeze out about 55 miles per gallon on a mixed route. Plus, it’s got all these safety features like six airbags and electronic stability control. It made me feel really secure, even in such a small car.
One of my mates, a new driver, recently got a Picanto. He told me, “Mate, it’s perfect for a newbie like me. Easy to park, cheap to run, and I don’t feel like I’m driving a tin can!”
The Kia Picanto is seen as one of the safest cars on the market, as it comes with six airbags, ABS and ESP safety features, and electronic stability control.
It is powered by a 1.2 litre engine that delivers good fuel economy and has an average CO2 emission of just 106g/km, which makes it one of the cleanest cars.
Kia Sportage – A Fantastic SUV for All Budgets
Now, if you need something bigger, the Sportage is a fantastic choice. It’s an SUV that doesn’t break the bank but still gives you all the bells and whistles.
I took one for a spin when I was considering an upgrade for my growing family. The space inside is brilliant – plenty of room for the kids, the dog, and all our stuff for a weekend camping trip. The ride was smooth too, even on some of the bumpier country roads near my place.
A colleague of mine switched to a Sportage last year. She said, “It’s been a game-changer for our family trips. Comfortable for long drives, and the kids love the extra space in the back.
Kia Sportage is a crossover SUV great for families who need to get around town and take their kids to school. The car has plenty of space, and the ride quality makes it easy to drive. It also has a lot of power under the hood, making it perfect for driving in hilly areas.
The Sorento
The mid-sized crossover SUV boasts a powerful engine and an intelligent AWD system. The Sorento is making waves as the most favourite cars in the UK. Moreover, it has been voted the third favourite drive around among British drivers in 2018.
If you need even more space, the Sorento is the way to go. It’s a mid-sized SUV with a powerful engine and a smart all-wheel-drive system.
I haven’t driven one myself, but my neighbor has one and he’s always raving about it. He uses it to tow his caravan and says it handles like a dream. “It’s got plenty of grunt for the hills,” he told me, “and it’s dead comfortable for long trips.”
It also offers great fuel economy and an affordable price point – making it perfect for anyone who wants to save a bit of money on gas while still getting a reliable car.
Kia Niro
Now, if you’re all about saving the planet (and who isn’t these days?), the Niro is worth a look. It’s a hybrid that’s packed with cool tech.
A friend of mine who’s a bit of a tech geek got one recently. He’s always going on about how futuristic it feels. “It’s like driving a spaceship,” he says, “but one that’s kind to the environment!”
This revolutionary new car is a perfect combination of self-driving and convenience. The vehicle comes with facial recognition software, voice control, and more.
Kia Ceed
The Ceed is another popular choice. It’s got this fancy all-wheel drive system and a head-up display that makes you feel like a fighter pilot!
I took one for a test drive and was really impressed with the infotainment system. It’s got both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so whether you’re an iPhone or Android user, you’re sorted.
A mate of mine who’s a bit of a car nut chose the Ceed over some more expensive brands. He told me, “It’s got everything I need, and I didn’t have to sell a kidney to afford it!”
What an impressive car with a variety of features. This vehicle is praised for its exceptional all-wheel drive system, the latest head-up display, and an infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The Ceed is also available in three different trim levels: S, SE, and GT-Line.
Kia Soul EV
The electric vehicle has long been praised for its eye-catching design, spacious interior, and ample features. It is available in various colours and trim levels to suit your needs.
If you’re ready to go full electric, the Soul EV is a great shout. It’s got this quirky design that really stands out on the road.
I haven’t made the switch to electric yet, but I’ve been seriously tempted by the Soul EV. A colleague who took the plunge last year can’t stop gushing about it. “The range is better than I expected,” she said, “and it’s so quiet, sometimes I forget it’s even on!”
Why Kia Cars Are So Popular in the UK
So, why are Kia cars such a hit here in the UK? Well, from my experience and chats with other Kia owners, it boils down to a few key things:
- Affordability: Kia offers great value for money. You get a lot of cars for your quid.
- Reliability: These cars are built to last. I’ve heard so many stories of people driving their Kias for years without any major issues.
- Fuel Efficiency: With petrol prices always on the up, Kia’s fuel-efficient models are a real wallet-saver.
- Safety: Kia cars consistently get top marks in safety ratings, which is a big plus for families.
- Variety: Whether you want a city car, a family SUV, or an electric vehicle, Kia’s got you covered.
In Summary
Kia cars are popular in the UK for several reasons. One of them is that they are affordable and offer a high level of quality for the price. This is especially true for their vehicles in the compact segment.
Kia offers a wide range of vehicles with different features and prices to suit all budgets. Kia also has a reputation for reliability, with many customers reporting that they have been driving their Kia vehicle without any problems or faults since they first bought it.
Another reason why Kia cars are so popular in the UK is because they offer great value for money regarding fuel efficiency. With petrol prices increasing all the time, it’s important to find an affordable car that doesn’t cost too much in fuel costs over its lifetime – which is where Kias come into their own.
The last reason why Kia cars are so popular in the UK is that they have some of the best safety ratings of any car manufacturer.